POLL: How fat is Worksop?

Liam Norcliffe

Back in May 2013, Bassetlaw was labelled the ‘fattest place’ to live in the country by two national newspapers.

The Daily Mail first branded Bassetlaw as the UK’s ‘fat capital,’ quoting a figure of over 2,800 ‘weight-related hospitalisations’ per 100,000 people.

Reporters from The Sun then visited Worksop and published a feature which said: “Lunchtime in Worksop and the cafes are bursting with customers tucking into greasy burgers and super-sized fry-ups.

“Outside, an obese woman slumps on a bench — too out of breath to walk further — and chomps on a bag of chips that have come with a bucket of fried chicken.”

At the time, Anne Pridgeon, senior public health manager at Notts County Council suggested the figures used were misleading.

“Obesity is a national problem and has a significant impact on health, the economy and local services,” she said.

“Bassetlaw’s obesity admission rate (43 per 100,000) is above the national average (22) but is not the highest (89 - Sunderland) and local authorities are working together on a variety of projects to reduce the problem.

“We are working to reduce the number of children becoming overweight and improve weight management programmes for obese adults.

“The council’s public health team works with others to offer opportunities for people to keep physically active and promote a healthy diet.”

*What do you think? Is Bassetlaw still the ‘fat capital’ of the UK? Use our comment section below to let us know what you think.